Surviving In This Filthy World As A Novel Villain

"It's got nothing to do with Eric Vaughn," Henry said flatly. "I would've agreed even if none of that happened."

Henry's brother clearly didn't get it, but Henry didn't bother explaining further to his younger brother.

Get revenge for Dad? Please. He wasn't that much of a loyal son.

This was a huge chance, a way to get close to Alex. Other people would kill for an opportunity like this.

Henry remembered how Logan had practically gotten on his knees begging for Alex's favor and got nothing. But now, Alex had just handed this chance right to him.

Honestly, if Henry had known this was the way to get in good with Alex, he might have almost wished his dad had died earlier thanks to Eric Vaughn.

Trading his dad's life to get close to someone like Alex? It felt like a fantastic deal. It was a win for him, and a huge win for the Wade Family's future.

Henry was sure his dad, if he knew, would see it the same way. Everything was for the good of the Wade Family, after all.

….

Once Henry was gone, it was just Alex and Ashley left in the office.

Ashley still felt a little dazed. Were her business problems really solved, just like that? Coming here, meeting Henry again... his attitude was night-and-day compared to their last meeting at the Wade Family.

This time, he didn't even grill her; he just told her to bring the contract over whenever she could.

She'd honestly lost all hope for this partnership. Thanks to that walking disaster Eric Vaughn, her family had seriously ticked off the Wades, Eric had killed Henry's father, after all. And everyone knew Henry had a reputation for being a good son.

Ashley knew, without a doubt, that this complete change was all because of the man she'd spent the night with.

Right then, Ashley had her hair pinned up stylishly. Her white top, cut short to show off her stomach, barely contained her generous curves.

A sliver of smooth, pale skin showed above her waist as she moved slightly.

She wore loose, thin black pants, but when she leaned over the coffee table to grab a glass of water, the material pulled tight, revealing the perfect, round shape of her backside.

She felt Alex's eyes on her, but she didn't try to hide. She stayed bent over, picked up the glass, took a sip, and then shot Alex a look, deliberately licking her lips in a way that was pure invitation.

You had to admit, women like her knew the game. They didn't just know the moves; they knew how to lead the dance.

"Thank you," Ashley said, leaning back onto the sofa with a lazy stretch, propping her chin on her hand.

Alex stood looming over her. "Just saying thank you with words?" he asked, his voice low and full of suggestion.

Ashley blinked, acting like she didn't catch his drift. She smiled sweetly. "My deal with Henry is all because of you, Alex. Once it's all done, I promise I'll thank you properly."

"A big 'thank you' later isn't needed," Alex replied, setting his phone down. "Just give me the 'verbal' thank you right now." Then, quick as a flash, he scooped her up, pulling her lush body against his.

Ashley let out a little yelp of surprise, her hands flying to the sofa arms as she struggled, but not very hard, her face turning bright red. "Alex, let go! What are you doing?"

"Getting my verbal thank you!" Alex said smoothly, his hands already exploring as he spoke. "I hate taking credit I don't deserve. I didn't really do that much to help you with the Henry deal. No big reward necessary. Just the verbal kind of thanks is fine."

'This is what he calls a verbal thank you?' Ashley thought wildly. 'Okay, fine, thank you, but why are your pants coming off?!'

"N-No... stop," she protested, still pushing weakly against his chest. Her resistance was fading fast, her eyes getting that hazy look, cheeks flushed hot. "I'm married... We shouldn't... You promised last time was the only time."

Alex leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "But I helped you out big time today. Can't just ignore that, right? If you really don't want to... maybe I should just go?"

He stopped what he was doing, a teasing glint in his eyes as he watched her, practically melting under his gaze.

Ashley bit down hard on her full lower lip, saying nothing. After a tense moment, she seemed to give in, closing her eyes with a small frown.

"This is a hospital," she whispered finally. "My hotel... let's go there."

Even though it was his office, Alex hadn't taken the top floor all for himself. He didn't like being totally cut off.

This floor had other rooms, and the main hallway, filled with nurses coming and going, was right outside the door. Ashley was terrified someone would hear them.

But Alex didn't look the least bit worried about anyone hearing. Maybe he even enjoyed the thrill of it.

"Relax, the soundproofing's top-notch," Alex reassured her smoothly. He knew Ashley, being a city native, had a voice that wasn't just pleasant but could get surprisingly strong and carry quite well.

He had vivid memories of that particular quality from the night before.

Clothing came off, piece by piece, revealing the woman beneath.

Outside, maybe the wind whispered, maybe birds called out, maybe water trickled somewhere nearby… a soft, indistinct rustling seemed to fill the momentary silence.

A while later, Ashley's hair was tousled, her cheeks still flushed pink, and her eyes held that sleepy, satisfied haze. She pushed herself up slightly on the sofa, delicately wiped her mouth, and shot Alex a look that was mostly annoyance.

This damn man.

Alex was already pulling his clothes back on. Ashley reached for hers, only to find the expensive white designer top she'd been wearing was ripped beyond repair, courtesy of the 'damn man' himself.

Wearing it was out of the question now.